There’s something fascinating about the way fashion repeats itself.
Trends vanish, only to reappear decades, or even centuries, later in a new form. One of those quiet comebacks is happening right now, and it’s not about oversized blazers or low-rise jeans.
It’s about what we wear under our clothes: the long-forgotten pettipants, reborn today as modern safety shorts.
A brief look back: What were pettipants?
Back in the 1950s and 60s, women slipped into pettipants, a hybrid between a slip and a pair of shorts. They were light, often made of nylon, and designed to be worn under dresses and skirts. Their job? To provide a little extra modesty, stop thighs from rubbing together, and keep fabric from clinging.
Sound familiar? Exactly. Pettipants were the grandmother of today’s slip shorts.
Why women loved them
Pettipants weren’t just about function. Many designs were charming, with trims, pleats, or lace that gave them a feminine touch.
At the same time, they were practical: they offered coverage, helped fabric drape more smoothly, and made wearing dresses feel easier.
For many women, they provided a balance of modesty and comfort that fit perfectly into daily life.
Why they faded from fashion
Over time, pettipants became less common. The shift toward sleeker silhouettes, new synthetic fabrics, and the rise of sportier underlayers (like bike shorts) made them feel old-fashioned.
While they never completely disappeared, they moved out of mainstream fashion and into the world of vintage lingerie.
Safety shorts: the modern answer
Fast forward to today. The problems haven’t changed: sheer fabrics, dresses that ride up, and the all-too-familiar issue of thigh chafing in summer. The solutions, however, have evolved. Instead of nylon pettipants, many women now turn to safety shorts or slip shorts: lighter, more breathable, and designed with modern fabrics.
Unlike their mid-century counterparts, today’s safety shorts are not always meant to stay hidden. Some designs are sleek and elegant enough to be part of the outfit itself, blending function with style in a way pettipants rarely did.
Where Rose&Leoni fits in
When I designed the Levantina slip shorts, I was inspired by this long tradition of layering.
Pettipants solved real problems for women decades ago, and I wanted to bring that idea forward, updated with Italian craftsmanship, featherlight fabrics, and elegant lines that you actually want to show.
They’re not about nostalgia. They’re about continuity: taking what worked in the past and reimagining it for women today, who care not just about comfort, but also about style, sustainability, and confidence.
The quiet revival
The return of pettipants in the form of modern safety shorts isn’t about retro dressing, it’s about solving timeless needs with better design.
They gave women comfort and freedom in the 1960s, and they can do the same now, with fabrics and details that feel fresh and relevant.
And maybe that’s why this revival will last. Once you’ve experienced the ease of wearing a dress without worrying about coverage, cling, or chafing, you’ll never want to go back.
Products
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